Survey of Pharma and Large-cap Biotech Shows Significant Investment in Regenerative Medicine

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Mar 26, 2014) - The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), the international organization representing the interests of the advanced therapies and regenerative medicine communities, released a comprehensive survey outlining strategic viewpoints and perspectives on regenerative medicine from 16 top pharmaceutical and large-cap biotech companies. The report was issued today at the Second Annual Regen Med Investor Day in New York City. Members of ARM's Science and Technology Committee interviewed R&D, product development and business development leadership at these companies, compiling a report that highlights the opportunities and therapeutic potential of these new technologies while also addressing major regulatory and commercialization concerns that will need to be overcome. A key finding was that all interviewed companies are actively engaged in the sector, and most view regenerative medicine as a potential paradigm shift in the development of breakthrough medicines.

"The results of this survey confirm that pharma and biotech companies see the value and long-term potential of regenerative medicine and advanced therapies, and are committed to investing in the sector through both internal research and by partnering with academia and smaller companies," said Morrie Ruffin, Managing Director of ARM. "The findings also provided valuable insights into how these companies are organizing their efforts internally, and what they see as the greatest near and long-term opportunities."

All responses were kept anonymous. The following companies participated in the survey: Allergan, Amgen, Baxter, Biogen Idec, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck Serono, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme and Shire.

ARM's Pharma and Biotech Survey is available online at http://alliancerm.org/page/science-and-technology and in a limited print edition. Below is a preview of the report's findings:

• 100% of the companies interviewed are investing in regenerative medicine with programs underway;
  
  
• On the therapeutic front, 69% of the companies have invested in cellular-based regenerative medicine products;
  
  
• The respondents did not have a strong preference for either allogeneic or autologous cell therapy products, stating advantages and disadvantages for either approach;